Internet Resources
"Surfing the Information Highway"

In this age of technology, the Internet has become a tremendous source of information. Although attempting to use this technology can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with computers, using the Internet is rather fun and easy ...it just takes practice!

• Information from all over the world. Different agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals create Internet sites for you to visit. The information varies, but there are great sites with information devoted to people with developmental disabilities.
• Electronic mail, referred to as "e-mail". This is a new way to communicate with agencies, organizations, legislators, individuals/families etc. Or leave messages or requests that anyone can respond to on what are called an "electronic bulletin boards".
• "Chat Rooms" provide you opportunities to join in ongoing conversation on a variety of topics or to discuss specific topics with experts in the field.

Do not own a computer? You can contact the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (see below) and they will tell you where you may access a computer near your home. Most libraries have access to the Internet or you may know someone who could look information up for you.

• National Information Center on Developmental Disabilities:
  www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/add
  National resource for information on best practices, research results, rights issues, training materials, availability of services.



• National Information Center for Children and Youth:
  www.nichcy.org
  Information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability related issues. Children and youth with disabilities (birth to age 22) are their special focus.



• Missouri Developmental Disabilities Resource Center:
  www.moddrc.com
  Call 1.800.444.0821 or 816.235.1763 and they will walk through accessing the Internet and will also provide you information as to where you locate a public access computer nearest your home.



• Community Connection:
  www.communityconnection.org
  Missouri's first comprehensive web based application containing information about community based resources. A variety of programs and services will be listed including private, public, formal and informal agencies, associations and programs.



• Department of Mental Health:  www.modmh.state.mo.us



• Kansas City Regional Center:
  www.modmh.state.mo.us/kcrc
  Provides information about the department, its programs, services and other resources. Take a "electronic tour" of the Department to learn more about its three program Divisions. Read the monthly Mental Health reporter or recently released news articles.



• Missouri Parent Act (MPACT):
  www.ptimpact.com
  See MPACT fact sheet.



• Coalition for Positive Family Relationships:
  www.togethernet.org/members.htm
  Provides resource guide on more than 450 agencies, organization, groups and consultants that serve the social, educational, health, legal and faith needs to the Kansas City metropolitan area.

For other available Internet resources, see the Links section of this site.